Added: 01/28/2006 |
The rapid growth of the online travel industry has resulted in the variety of choices and opportunities for consumers, providing lower rates and better booking tools. Currently, the rental sector is seen as one of the largest sources of Internet commerce, offering quick and affordable options. However, customers should be aware of the hazards, peculiar to the new technology.
Abrams Travel Data Services has determined the largest car rental companies in the United States as of 2002. The most significant of these was Hertz, followed by Avis, National, Budget, Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, and Thrifty. Survey has also shown the largest rentalcars sites, including four branded websites and three integrated travel websites. The former included Alamo Rent A Car, owned by ANC Rental Corporation; Avis Rent A Car System, owned by Cendant Corporation; Dollar Rent A Car, owned by Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group; and Hertz Rent A Car, owned by Ford Motor Company.
Among the largest integrated rentalcars sites were Orbitz, owned by the five largest airlines in the nation: Continental Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines; Expedia, owned by USA Interactive; and Travelocity, owned by the global distribution system, Sabre.
Whether you are planning an exciting weekend drive or a business trip, take advantage of rentalcars online offerings. The easiest and fastest way to rent a car is to choose a particular company you would like to rent from. However, it's not the best option if you are looking for the cheapest rates. Such major rentalcars sites as Expedia or Travelocity provide the customers with rates from a number of various car companies. You'll be required to enter the city and the dates for which you would like to rent a vehicle. The site will then show a list of rates from rental companies in the given city. All you need to do is to pick the rate and reserve your car.
Those interested in discounted rentals should visit discount sites, like Hotwire.com or Priceline.com. In this case, the customer cannot choose the company to rent from, but he will be offered opportunity to pick the type of car and location. It should be mentioned, though, that reservations made on these sites are not refundable or changeable. If for some reason your plans change, the reservations can't be amended, even for a fee.
Despite the extensive choice and vast opportunities offered by rentalcars sites, renting cars online may entail much complexity and misconception. While renting your car online, keep in mind that some sites don't include surcharges, taxes, and fees into the cost of a car rental.
Before making a reservation, familiarize yourself with the cancellation penalties and requirements of a car rental company, and check for available discounts. It is advisable to stick to such multibrand travel sites as Travelocity.com and Orbitz.com, currently rating highest among rentalcars sites.
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